Xavier Morelle

MORELLE_XavierResearcher
PHYS, PHYSiques
Membership: CNRS
Location: INSA Lyon

Mechanical behavior (Large deformation, fatigue and fracture) / Polymer networks / Soft Matter / Multi-scale characterization / Structure-Property relationships

Research themes/centers of interest

My objective is to build a research path focusing on the mechanics and multi-functionality
of polymer materials. From a fundamental standpoint, the molecular structure-properties
relationship in glassy polymers and gels still remains elusive, especially at large strains where non-linear deformation, chain scission and stress heterogeneity redistribution often occur before failure. Building on the design of well-defined heterogeneous network architectures comprising strong local property contrast, I will study the impact of their nanostructuration and local dynamics on the ultimate properties of macroscopic specimens under different stimuli. Through this approach, I foresee to unveil a better understanding of the complex multiscale deformation mechanisms of polymers and gels, but also to broaden their use by pushing their potential as smart multi-responsive materials. Eventually, a special focus will also be given to durability, ageing and end-of-life problematics.

Major publications

  • X. P. Morelle, G. Sanoja, S. Castagnet, C. Costantino, “3D Fluorescent Mapping of
    Invisible Molecular Damage after Cavitation in Hydrogen Exposed Elastomers”, Soft
    Matter, (2021). https ://doi.org/10.1039/D1SM00325A
  • R. Bai, J. Wang, X. P. Morelle, Z. Suo, “Flaw-insensitive hydrogels under
    static and cyclic loads”, Macromolecular Rapid Communications, 1800883, (2019).
    https ://doi.org/10.1002/marc.201800883
  • X. P. Morelle, W. R. Illeperuma, K. Tian, R. Bai, Z. Suo, J. J. Vlassak, “Highly
    stretchable and tough hydrogels below water freezing temperatures”, Advanced
    Materials, vol 30, (2018), 1801541. https ://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201801541
  • J. Chevalier, L. Brassart, F. Lani, C. Bailly, T. Pardoen, X. P. Morelle,
    “Unveilling the nanoscale heterogeneity controlled deformation of thermosets”,
    Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, vol 121, (2018), pp. 432-446.
    https ://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmps.2018.08.014
  • X. P. Morelle, J. Chevalier, C. Bailly, T. Pardoen, F. Lani, “Mechanical
    characterization and modeling of the deformation and failure of the highly crosslinked
    RTM6 epoxy resin”, Mechanics of Time-Dependent Materials, vol. 21 : issue 3, (2017),
    pp. 419-454. https ://doi.org/10.1007/s11043-016-9336-6

Brief CV

2011 Master of Science/Engineering degree in Materials Science and Chemistry, Ecole Polytechnique de Louvain (BEL)
2015 PhD, “Mechanical characterization and physics-based modelling of a highly-crosslinked epoxy resin”, IMAP lab, iMMC, UCLouvain (BEL)
2015 Post-doctoral stay (BAEF Fellow), “Mechanics, fatigue and multi-functionnal response of Hydrogels double-networks”, Suo Lab, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University (USA)
2017 Post-doctoral researcher, “Mechanics, fatigue and cavitation of multiple-network elastomers and pressure-sensitive adhesives”
2020 Post-doctoral researcher, “Mechanics and fracture of ionic-liquid modified epoxy networks, IMP Lab, INSA de Lyon (FRA)
2021 CNRS Research Associate at IMP lab